Top Articles from Home & Garden

Properly designed, it can capture the suns warmth year-round

Dear Jim: My family needs additional living space. I want a sunroom, but I cannot afford to have one built. Are there any do-it-yourself kits available? Can I build one from scratch? What design is be...

Techniques for building a hot fire, and reducing creosote build-up

Dear Jim: I plan to use my fireplace often this winter to lower my heating bills, but I have never been very good at getting a fire started and keeping it going. Is there a proper method of building a...

How to use and install zinc strips

Dear Gene: I have heard that zinc strips can keep mold from forming on asphalt-shingled roofs, but how are the strips installed and where can I get them? Zinc strips are available in 3-foot lengths a...

How to tuckpoint your home

Dear Gene: I live in a 50-year-old brick house. The material surrounding some of the bricks has disintegrated, and the surface of some bricks also shows damage. How can this be fixed without replacing...

Dozens of special products are made for this purpose

Dear Gene: Is it really impossible to patch a concrete driveway? A couple of contractors want to replace the entire driveway, at high cost. The largest crack is about 8 inches long and 1 inch wide. I...

When the regulator valve fails, its time to adjust the pressure

Dear Gene: A few years ago the pressure-regulator valve on our main water line failed and some water pipes in our home burst, causing considerable damage. We have a new valve, but I worry that it will...

Regular maintenance will help avoid clogs

Dear Gene: I recently had my rain-gutter covers removed because they did not keep out small debris. These covers had two rows of slots that got plugged up with fine stuff from my trees. Is there some ...

It all depends, of course, on the type of finish

Dear Gene: What is the best way to clean finished hardwood floors? Should we use plain water, vinegar-water mix, oil soap or what? I get a lot of conflicting advice. How you clean depends on the type...

How to keep a glass shower door clean

Dear Gene: I have a relatively new glass shower door. I also have hard water. What is the best way to keep the door clean? After every shower, wipe the inside of the door dry with a squeegee, just as...